0003160 G.F. 316
25. schools.
Press
SECRET
5
Hong Kong was reviewing the system for registration of
26.
It was agreed that the communist Press is a particularly sensitive area. It had been rather milder in tone recently. There was no current intention of moving against the Fress.
Trade Unions
27.
Communist trade unions were at present in disarray. Many of their former office-bearers, being no longer employed in the trade, were no longer eligible for office. We were proceeding to point this out, but would move cautiously.
General
28.
In the discussion of all subjects, Mr. Cradock was strongly in favour of all measures which would lead to a detente, while taking into account the needs of security. H.E., while accepting that a detente was desirable, was rather more doubtful about the willingness of the Chinese to work towards any real detente, and placed more weight on the requirements of firmness and security. Mr. Murray appreciated both points of view.
Distribution:
H. E. the acting Governor (2) ►
Mr. James Murray
Mr. Percy Cradock
C.S.
F.A. D.S.B. SCR (3)
SECRET
Colonial Secretariat 16th November, 1968